How Does a Stroke Effect Daily Life?

Suffering a stroke can have a huge impact on the patient. One can be left to deal with a disability they had never tackled before. They also have to be extra cautious about how they should live their lives so as to take the right protective measures for limiting the chances of them having another stroke. Most stroke survivors have to change their lifestyle and take on social challenges they never had to deal with in the past. They may also need to make adjustments in their personal lives, as the dynamics of their relations may also have changed post the stroke.

Stroke survivors need to be rehabilitated afterward so as to learn some basic techniques as well as develop new ones for them to adapt and regain the ability to take care of themselves. They need to learn how to brush their teeth, walk, cook, use the toilet as well as other everyday activities. Therapy helps them in ensuring that they will be able to live self-sufficiently and be independent once again.

Swallowing food is a cause of concern when it comes to stroke patients due to the weakness or paralysis they would now be left with. Some patients are given food in its liquid form through the help of a plastic drip or sometimes the food is given through the neck with tubes going down from the nose. Measures should be taken for those who do not need the liquid food to ensure that their foods are not solid. If someone has suffered paralysis on one side of the body, they should be taught how to start feeding themselves with the hand that is still functional.

Due to the changes in their physical as well as cognitive abilities, they may be left with difficulties in engaging in fun activities outside their homes. Exercising can also prove to be extremely difficult. It is advisable for the patient to get help from therapists who can assist them in finding new methods to enjoy the activities they used to engage in. Full recovery is a long journey and in most cases, patients are not fortunate enough to enjoy it.